Buying used setups

[lisaluwho]

I've wanted a reef tank for years and am finally at a point where I'm ready to undertake the project! I've been doing a ton of reading and am (slowly!!) starting to understand a lot of this. My brain is not super wired to understand a lot of the concepts by reading and pics (especially since there are a million different ways to set tanks up apparently!). So...my question is this - there are lots of existing setups available for sale near me. As long as I make sure that the system is functioning well and make sure that the parts are still good and prepare for future replacement, etc - what are negative ramifications of purchasing an existing setup? Obviously I can't design it the way I would from scratch but I'm thinking it might give me a good foundation to learn on and then after I really understand the intricacies and am familiar with different brands, etc I could start slowly building my own system (I can already foresee wanting a couple of tanks!).
I'm guessing it is extremely difficult to move a tank along with the fish and coral, etc. because you'd have to move the water with it. Otherwise the tank would have to new cycle. Is that correct or incorrect? Is it even possible? (move a lot of the water with it?).
So if I started with a system that had all the components but no livestock, what are your thoughts?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

You cannot move the tank with water in it. The tank would most likely be destroyed.

The water is actually of little consequence. The bacteria that form the foundation of the biological filtration system live in the rocks and sand. Moving those to a new location in tubs with fish and other livestock is probably the most common way to relocate a tank.

If done quickly enough, it's unlikely a tank cycle would be initiated. You really need something to die off before a tank cycle is initiated....usually bacteria from poorly circulated and aerated temporary containers.

Starting with a cheap, pre-exisiting system is an easy way to learn and get started. As you learn more, you can incorporate those learnings into future tank design.

Oh yeah....and WELCOME! Apologies for being so rude

 

[Redfoxtang]

First off Welcome to R2R!! I have turned multiple used tanks, equipment into great working pieces! As long as they are still functioning used is almost the best way to go getting into a hobby quite expensive, can save a good amount of money this way. We are also here to help you with your purchase if you post in the forums and if it’s a deal or no deal. I would highly recommend getting an RODI unit as well to make water as well. If buying a running tank water is not needed if you have water premixed. The rock and sand hold mostly of the beneficial bacteria for the nitrogen cycle. So I’m terms you might see a mini cycle if any if buying a used running tank. Hope this helps!!

 

[lisaluwho]

You cannot move the tank with water in it. The tank would most likely be destroyed.

The water is actually of little consequence. The bacteria that form the foundation of the biological filtration system live in the rocks and sand. Moving those to a new location in tubs with fish and other livestock is probably the most common way to relocate a tank.

If done quickly enough, it's unlikely a tank cycle would be initiated. You really need something to die off before a tank cycle is initiated....usually bacteria from poorly circulated and aerated temporary containers.

Starting with a cheap, pre-exisiting system is an easy way to learn and get started. As you learn more, you can incorporate those learnings into future tank design.

Oh yeah....and WELCOME! Apologies for being so rude

You cannot move the tank with water in it. The tank would most likely be destroyed.

The water is actually of little consequence. The bacteria that form the foundation of the biological filtration system live in the rocks and sand. Moving those to a new location in tubs with fish and other livestock is probably the most common way to relocate a tank.

If done quickly enough, it's unlikely a tank cycle would be initiated. You really need something to die off before a tank cycle is initiated....usually bacteria from poorly circulated and aerated temporary containers.

Starting with a cheap, pre-exisiting system is an easy way to learn and get started. As you learn more, you can incorporate those learnings into future tank design.

Oh yeah....and WELCOME! Apologies for being so rude

Ha! No apologies necessary! I love the info and appreciate you taking time to educate me. I wasn’t thinking so much of moving the water IN the tank, but putting it into jugs or...? Doesn’t sound like there would be much need/benefit to that though?
If the tank does NOT include the livestock/water/etc is there anything I should look for when testing the equipment out?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Ha! No apologies necessary! I love the info and appreciate you taking time to educate me. I wasn’t thinking so much of moving the water IN the tank, but putting it into jugs or...? Doesn’t sound like there would be much need/benefit to that though?
If the tank does NOT include the livestock/water/etc is there anything I should look for when testing the equipment out?

You can use the same water or you can make fresh water. I don't think it matters much if there isn't any livestock involved.

Things to look out for....LEAKS! and cracks in the glass, bubbles in the silicone (both of those last two assume a glass tank).

 

[lisaluwho]

First off Welcome to R2R!! I have turned multiple used tanks, equipment into great working pieces! As long as they are still functioning used is almost the best way to go getting into a hobby quite expensive, can save a good amount of money this way. We are also here to help you with your purchase if you post in the forums and if it’s a deal or no deal. I would highly recommend getting an RODI unit as well to make water as well. If buying a running tank water is not needed if you have water premixed. The rock and sand hold mostly of the beneficial bacteria for the nitrogen cycle. So I’m terms you might see a mini cycle if any if buying a used running tank. Hope this helps!!

Thank you! I’m kind of a “re-user” by nature so I like the idea of getting my feet wet (ha, get it?!) with something used that I can begin understanding the components and building off of. I don’t necessarily mind outlaying some money for a nice system that I custom build later but I want to make sure I’m not throwing it away from lack of knowledge/experience.
So this is the description of the system I’m looking at right now but I have a few that I’m tossing around. And I’m not in a huge hurry so I can keep looking. Thoughts?? And thank you so much for your time and input! I really appreciate it!

(pics aren’t the greatest. Aesthetically I’d like to have the lights in a hood versus hanging from hangers. I’ve read that hoods can increase the water temp but I’ve also read that many corals like it warmer....so I don’t understand why a good would be bad. But I’m also not even sure if I can put these lights in a hood?!)

Seller’s description:

Reef ready 80 gal tank & sump fully outfitted. Many extras reef breaders 350 watt led with digital controller /timer sunrise sunset 2 hydor wave makers with wave controller reef keeper aquarium controller with 2 power bars and slx modual with ph controller 150 gallon protien skimmer 2 phosban media reactors gen x pcx return pump sqiud wave maker hooked up to return pump

 

[wilsonline]

I suggest buying a nice looking tank n stand. Like the Red Sea tanks. I got one broken for only 200. Yes, it was a pain to fix, but I have a lot more motivation to make this go in the right path than compared to my ugly basic mariland tanks I have for freshwater.

 

[Daniel92481]

I believe that buying used can be a good way to save some money on expensive equipment. Just be weary of buying someone else’s problems with an existing setup. I feel like it would be more beneficial to make a fresh start, understanding, and watching the different biological processes as they happen. Regardless on what you decide to do, you have come to the right place. Plenty of knowledgeable people here that really want to help out new reefers.

Welcome to R2R!

 

[JATReef]

I would be inclined to agree with others above.

Nothing wrong at all with buying a fully ready to go system as long as you have done your research. However, I bought dry tanks/equipment used or built my own and started from a fresh base, the amount I learned while watching my tank slowly cycle and mature has benefited me further into the hobby, getting used to testing and the methods of testing that work for you could be so useful while you have the time.

Learning about the nitrogen cycle is such a vital aspect to this hobby and leads into more complex water chemistry down the line. It also brought me satisfaction to know that I have seen the setup through to a system ready for livestock.

Again this is only my 2c, buying used is a great way to learn what you want/need for your system without breaking the bank.

 

[huckjai]

I bought a used tank and so far so good. I'm only concerned about how long the silicone will last. Hopefully a really long time. Would seriously hate to get a leak in a 95 gallon tank.

 

[BeejReef]

I'm a re-user as well and that's a big part of how I get joy out of the hobby. If I can accomplish 80% of what another can while spending 30% as much, in my mind, I'm winning (so long as my livestock is healthy). I also enjoy DIY.

That said, I'm slowly coming around to the "u get what u pay for" realization, and totally respect reefers who choose that route as well. There is an absolute ton of money to be saved going used though.

In a lot of cases, you could not even take the tank out of their house and make out. The "fish junk" they throw in is usually a few hundred bucks. Net, refractometer, siphon/vacuum, glass scraper, filter sock holder... that's $170 new right there. U start thinking about other non-mission critical stuff like outlet timers, fuge lights, reservoirs, rock... it adds up real fast.

People with perfectly running systems and healthy livestock usually know what it's worth. The savings are with the tried and failed crowd who now want this painful (stinking) reminder out of their living room. Bleach kills everything if you want to go the full teardown and restart route. I'd focus on the setup being the size I want with the type of overflow and return I want to run. I'd personally not get too bent on the brand of skimmer, powerheads, or lights (unless someone has premium stuff) bc, I'm likely to upgrade those regardless, but they can still be nice as stop gaps, or for project tanks.

 

[Zoajohn]

If you buy an AIO or anything with black adhesive or plastic background, make sure to check under for cracks. I paid way too much for an IM 30L that looked great when inspecting, but after I brought it home I noticed a crack on the corner underneath the background sheet which really sucked. Fortunately I siliconed it well and it’s been running for ~6 months, but I should have paid at least $100 less than I did

 

[jtl]

Having set up and subsequently sold several tanks I think buying used is a very good way to save at least 50%. Just make sure you are getting a what you want and don't settle for anything less otherwise you may regret your decision. I personally would not buy anything with scratches or chips.

 

[lisaluwho]

If you buy an AIO or anything with black adhesive or plastic background, make sure to check under for cracks. I paid way too much for an IM 30L that looked great when inspecting, but after I brought it home I noticed a crack on the corner underneath the background sheet which really sucked. Fortunately I siliconed it well and it’s been running for ~6 months, but I should have paid at least $100 less than I did

Thanks for the tip! I assume for this much money, a seller wouldn't be offended when I ask them to fill the tank with water to make sure it holds?!

 

[lisaluwho]

So here is one I'm looking at. Listed at $350. Thoughts?
Would I be able to put the lights into a hood? I don't love the hangers kinda concept.

Seller’s description:

Reef ready 80 gal tank & sump fully outfitted. Many extras reef breaders 350 watt led with digital controller /timer sunrise sunset 2 hydor wave makers with wave controller reef keeper aquarium controller with 2 power bars and slx modual with ph controller 150 gallon protien skimmer 2 phosban media reactors gen x pcx return pump sqiud wave maker hooked up to return pump

 

[lisaluwho]

This is the other - a complete setup, which I'd be fine with initially as I learn. The seller wants $800 for all (says without water filtration - which I don't understand...isn't that the skimmer?!). Also he says that he is treating a bubble algae outbreak which will take about a month. Now I have to go google that! Is that indicative of a poor setup? Or just something that happens?! Oh my... so overwhelmed.

Thoughts?


Tank, stand, hood, and sump $150
Reef Octopus skimmer 150 int $150
Viparspectra 300w aquarium light $140
Adjustable return pump $50
Live Rock ~100 lbs $120

100 GPD RO water filtration unit with chloromine blasters, two in-line tds Meters, 32 gallon plumbed collection bin and stand with extra RO membrane, carbon block, and sediment filter $200

2 tomato clownfish $30
1 large coral banded shrimp $10
1 large skunk cleaner shrimp $10
3 headed hammer coral $40
2 head pink torch $40
Softball size gsp on 20lb rock $40
Softball size Xenia $30
Neon green chondylactis anem $10
Toadstool $20
8 headed Duncan $60
4 large breeding zebra snails $10
4 breeding nassarius snails $10
Breeding Astrea snails Free
1 Florida ricordia $10
Sand tiger conch $10